If you’re looking to add a festive, creamy, and delightfully sweet treat to your holiday table, this Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Bursting with holiday cheer from crushed peppermint candies and a luscious blend of cream cheese and marshmallow fluff, this spread is irresistibly smooth and flavorful. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for sharing with friends and family, and it pairs beautifully with all sorts of dippers. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a special something to enjoy by the fireplace, this Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe brings all the warmth and joy of the season in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that this Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy base to the festive peppermint crunch and subtle vanilla undertones, every component contributes to making this spread an unforgettable holiday delight.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): This creates the rich and velvety foundation, so be sure to soften it fully for the best texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness while blending smoothly into the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings depth and warms the flavor to complement the peppermint notes.
- Marshmallow fluff (1/2 cup): Gives the spread a light, fluffy texture and adds that cozy, sweet marshmallow taste.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (1/4 cup): Infuses a refreshing holiday crunch and classic peppermint flavor that makes it festive.
- White chocolate chips (1/4 cup, melted and slightly cooled): Adds a silky sweetness that ties the ingredients together perfectly.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Lightens the spread slightly, helping it become perfectly spreadable.
- Red and green sprinkles (optional): Ideal for that extra pop of holiday color and sparkle when serving.
How to Make Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese
Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This step sets the stage for the entire spread, so take a moment to ensure there are no lumps and the texture is perfectly silky.
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor
Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix these ingredients in until well combined. The powdered sugar sweetens with a gentle touch, and the vanilla brings just the right warmth that makes this holiday spread feel like a cozy hug.
Step 3: Fold in Marshmallow Fluff and Melted White Chocolate
Gently fold in the marshmallow fluff, which adds a fluffy, luscious texture. Then, fold in the melted white chocolate that has been slightly cooled—this infusion creates a beautiful, silky swirl that elevates the flavor and richness.
Step 4: Adjust the Texture
Pour in the heavy cream to loosen the spread slightly. This ensures it’s not too thick, making it easier to spread on your favorite snacks. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Add the Peppermint Crunch
Finally, fold in the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. This step delivers the iconic holiday peppermint flavor and a delightful crunch that makes every bite exciting and festive.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Transfer your mixture to a serving bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and gives the spread a lovely, firm texture that’s perfect for dipping or spreading.
How to Serve Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle some red and green sprinkles on top of the spread. This touch not only adds a burst of holiday color but also makes the dish feel extra special and festive—perfect for holiday gatherings and impressing guests.
Side Dishes
This Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers—think crunchy graham crackers, crispy cookies like ginger snaps or shortbread, or even fresh fruit slices such as apple or pear. These sides provide contrasting textures that complement the creamy, sweet spread beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the spread in a small holiday-themed bowl surrounded by a platter of assorted dippers arranged in a festive pattern. You can also pipe the spread onto crackers or toast points using a piping bag for a more elegant touch. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a few whole peppermint candies around the dish enhances the presentation even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can prepare the Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe up to two days in advance. Once made, store it covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Keeping it chilled ensures the flavors stay vibrant and the texture remains perfect for serving later.
Freezing
While this creamy and delicate spread is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving to restore a smooth consistency.
Reheating
There’s no actual cooking or heating required when serving, but if the spread feels too firm after refrigeration or freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This will soften it up nicely, making it easier to spread or dip.
FAQs
Can I use flavored cream cheese in this recipe?
You can experiment with flavored cream cheese, but keep in mind that it might alter the overall balance of flavors. Plain cream cheese provides the best neutral base so the peppermint and white chocolate shine through.
Is this spread suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
This Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly but does contain dairy and sugar. If you need a dairy-free version, you could try plant-based cream cheese, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, a splash of whole milk could be used to lighten the spread, though it won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Use sparingly to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make this spread without peppermint candies?
Absolutely! If peppermint is not your favorite, try substituting with other holiday mix-ins like crushed toffee, cinnamon chips, or even a handful of chopped nuts for texture and flavor variation.
How long does this spread keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this spread stays fresh for about three to four days. Always give it a quick stir before serving if it’s been sitting for a while.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing this Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those simple yet show-stopping treats that brings people together, sparking smiles and Christmas spirit around every bite. So grab your mixing bowl, summon your holiday cheer, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this deliciously creamy, peppermint-kissed spread!
Print
Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas & Cream Spread is a luscious and creamy holiday treat that combines smooth cream cheese with marshmallow fluff, melted white chocolate, and a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect as a sweet appetizer or dessert, it’s an easy no-cook recipe that can be enjoyed with graham crackers, cookies, or fruit slices, making it a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Garnish
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy to create a light and fluffy base.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavor: Incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, mixing until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Fold in Marshmallow Fluff and White Chocolate: Gently fold in the marshmallow fluff and the melted, slightly cooled white chocolate to add sweetness and a smooth texture without deflating the mixture.
- Loosen Texture: Stir in the heavy cream to slightly loosen the texture, making the spread light and easy to serve.
- Add Peppermint Candies: Fold in the crushed peppermint candies carefully to distribute the peppermint flavor evenly throughout the spread.
- Chill: Transfer the prepared mixture to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch. Serve the spread with graham crackers, cookies, or fruit slices.
Notes
- You can prepare this spread up to two days in advance—store it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- For a softer texture, allow the spread to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Use crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a refreshing minty crunch.
- If the white chocolate chips aren’t melting smoothly, warm them gently in short bursts to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
